Missed the aurora in the DC area? Here’s when the Northern Lights may be visible again

WASHINGTON — The Northern Lights put on a spectacular show across the U.S. Friday night, leaving stunning views during a strong geomagnetic storm.  As those photos flooded social media and the web, some in the DMV missed the view.  Cloud cover blocked much of the aurora views Friday night,  but the region may get another shot Saturday night.  According to the Space Weather Prediction Center, the aurora will be visible again across much of the U.S. with ideal viewing in the northern areas.

Clouds will once again be an issue during the early evening hours in the DMV. The best time for potential viewing is after anytime after sunset depending on the clouds. After midnight may be a better time as clouds may break up a little.    

The chances are low-to-medium for two main reasons: The viewing is better further north (Canada, Ohio, Greenland, etc.) and there will still be clouds around this evening and tonight. 

The best time to get get a view would be between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m. , but you can certainly take a look at anytime after sunset.  You can try to get a look before midnight, but clouds will begin to break up a little more during the overnight hours. Skies won’t completely clear so it will depend on if you get a break in the clouds in your neighborhood. Keep watching the sky!  If the clouds break up in your neighborhood, that would be a good time to take a look! Even if you don’t see anything initially, use your camera or phone’s camera, as these are more sensitive to light and could pick up better images than the eye. 

There were a few reports of aurora views just before sunrise Saturday morning in Howard County and Reston, so be on the lookout!

Virginia and West Virginia may be a better place for viewing or towns along the Maryland and Pennsylvania border. Clouds may break up a bit more in those areas, allowing a better view.  

The aurora may be visible once again Sunday at the geomagnetic storm continues.